Andrew Lambrou will take to the mic in the contest's grand final for Cyprus, amongst the smallest countries in Europe.
He won through to the 26-country final, , a five-piece Perth-based band performing their song, Promise.
Mr Lambrou spoke with SBS Greek about representing his family’s homeland to showcase his singing talent.
Andrew Lambrou at Eurovision Australia Decides 2022 on the Gold Coast. Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE
He recalls the moment his family was informed that he will represent the Mediterranean island.
“Everyone was so happy.
My grandmother was crying, my mom and dad were hugging me and were so proud of me.
"And for me to be in this position right now, is really special. I feel the love for my family, for sure,” Mr Lambrou says.
Andrew Lambrou sang 'Electrify' during the Eurovision Australia Decides 2022 final at the Gold Coast. Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE
According to the 2021 Census, there are 40,091 Australians of Cypriot heritage, with the majority in Victoria (16,514), followed by New South Wales (14,902) and South Australia (3,561).
Tasmania has the smallest cohort, with only 160 of them calling the southernmost state home.
Of the total, 2,769 between the ages of 70 and 74 were born in Cyprus.
Andrew Lambrou with his family. Credit: Andrew Lambrou
He recalled family gatherings where his uncle played the bouzouki, a traditional Greek musical instrument, and everyone enjoyed Greek music.
Although he did not understand the lyrics, songs like Soma Mou by Greek singer Notis Sfakianakis "spoke to his heart".
The young singer has an Instagram following of more than 475,000.
He gained fame by posting covers of popular songs on that platform and to his self-titled YouTube channel.
Mr Lambrou learned to play the piano as a child and won his first singing competition at the age of six.
A young Andrew Lambrou. Credit: Andrew Lambrou
The judging panel included Danni Minogue, James Blunt, Chris Isaac and Australia’s first Eurovision representative, Guy Sebastian.
He also counts the messages he attempts to convey through his song, Break A Broken Heart.
“This song states that you have to get back on your feet after the hard times in your life and in relationships.
“Finding yourself and becoming the strongest version of yourself – that’s what this song really means to me.
“And for me on stage, the most important thing is for it to be authentic and real,” he adds.
I personally connect with this song and want people to feel that when I perform. That’s the most important element for me.
The young singer is particularly pleased that this year’s music competition is not taking place in Ukraine, which won last year, but in the UK.
An installation of the Soloveiko songbird, Ukraine's national bird, displayed at Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool. Twelve birds from across Ukraine are showcased as part of the EuroFestival culture festival ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest. Credit: SOPA Images/Sipa USA/AAP Image
“Of course, there are some horrible things going on in the world, but Eurovision is a place where we can go to unite. So, that’s the most exciting thing for me and one of the strongest messages that Eurovision conveys.
“Everywhere in Liverpool, there are a lot of Ukrainian symbols and fantastic things from Ukraine that Liverpool embraces, and it’s really nice to see,” he says.
Mr Lambrou has a message for his home country.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in Australia.
“I really feel the love and support, and it’s extremely special to me, and it gives me so much motivation to go out there and give my best and make everyone proud,” he says.
And I hope to make my fellow Australians proud as well. So, a huge thank you to everyone.
Greece - represented by Victor Vernikos with the song What They Say - did not make it past the semi-final stage of this year's contest.
Live broadcasts on SBS and SBS On Demand
- Grand Final – Sunday 14 May at 5:00am AEST
Prime time broadcasts on SBS and SBS On Demand
- Grand Final – Sunday 14 May at 7:30pm AEST
